Expressing opinions clearly

    AQA
    GCSE

    The assessment of expressing opinions necessitates the transition from simple assertion to complex, nuanced argumentation. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manipulate grammatical structures to convey subjectivity, doubt, and conviction within the context of contemporary Francophone society. Mastery involves the seamless integration of high-level syntax—specifically the subjunctive mood and complex connectives—to justify viewpoints on prescribed themes such as social trends, artistic culture, and political life. Success requires moving beyond 'je pense que' to employ a varied lexical range that reflects the register and idiom of a native speaker.

    0
    Objectives
    8
    Exam Tips
    8
    Pitfalls
    6
    Key Terms
    8
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Expressing opinions clearly
    Expressing opinions clearly

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the use of complex opinion starters (e.g., 'ce que j'aime le plus, c'est...') rather than repetitive use of 'j'aime'.
    • Credit responses that provide extended justifications using varied connectives ('étant donné que', 'vu que') to link ideas logically.
    • Differentiate between simple opinions and those evaluating multiple viewpoints ('d'un côté... de l'autre') to demonstrate complexity.
    • Assess accuracy of adjectival agreements and verb conjugations when describing reactions, feelings, or preferences.
    • Award marks for the use of varied opinion starters (e.g., 'selon moi', 'je dirais que') rather than repetitive use of 'je pense que'.
    • Credit responses that consistently justify opinions using subordinating conjunctions ('puisque', 'vu que', 'étant donné que') rather than just 'parce que'.
    • Candidates must link opinions to specific time frames or hypothetical contexts (conditional tense) to demonstrate grammatical range.
    • Assess the accuracy of adjectival agreements and position when describing reactions or feelings.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have stated an opinion; now extend it with a subordinate clause starting with 'parce que' or 'car'."
    • "Avoid repeating 'c'est bien'; use more specific adjectives like 'passionnant', 'utile', or 'agréable'."
    • "Check your verb endings after preference verbs; remember that 'aimer' is followed by the infinitive."
    • "To access higher marks, include a negative opinion or a comparison to show range."
    • "You used 'j'aime', but to access higher marks, swap this for 'ce qui me passionne, c'est...'."
    • "Good justification provided; now try using 'bien que' to introduce a contrasting opinion for complexity."
    • "Ensure your adjectives agree with the subject when expressing your views (e.g., la matière est *intéressante*)."
    • "You stated your opinion clearly, but you need to explain *why* using a connective like 'vu que' or 'car'."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the use of complex opinion starters (e.g., 'ce que j'aime le plus, c'est...') rather than repetitive use of 'j'aime'.
    • Credit responses that provide extended justifications using varied connectives ('étant donné que', 'vu que') to link ideas logically.
    • Differentiate between simple opinions and those evaluating multiple viewpoints ('d'un côté... de l'autre') to demonstrate complexity.
    • Assess accuracy of adjectival agreements and verb conjugations when describing reactions, feelings, or preferences.
    • Award marks for the use of varied opinion starters (e.g., 'selon moi', 'je dirais que') rather than repetitive use of 'je pense que'.
    • Credit responses that consistently justify opinions using subordinating conjunctions ('puisque', 'vu que', 'étant donné que') rather than just 'parce que'.
    • Candidates must link opinions to specific time frames or hypothetical contexts (conditional tense) to demonstrate grammatical range.
    • Assess the accuracy of adjectival agreements and position when describing reactions or feelings.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always follow the 'Opinion + Reason + Example' structure in Writing and Speaking tasks to maximise Content marks.
    • 💡Use 'false friends' or distractors in Listening/Reading transcripts to identify the true opinion held by the speaker versus a rejected alternative.
    • 💡In the 150-word writing task, ensure opinions are balanced with counter-arguments ('cependant', 'toutefois') to demonstrate critical thinking.
    • 💡Memorise synonyms for high-frequency adjectives like 'intéressant' and 'ennuyeux' to avoid repetition penalties in the Range of Language mark.
    • 💡In the 150-word writing task, ensure every opinion is followed by a 'because' clause and a secondary development or example.
    • 💡Use the 'three-tense' rule within opinion paragraphs: state a current view, a past experience, and a future preference.
    • 💡Memorize 'trigger' phrases for the subjunctive (e.g., 'bien que ce soit') to elevate opinion complexity instantly.
    • 💡During the Speaking Photo Card, explicitly state an opinion even if not prompted, as it counts towards the 'development' mark.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Over-reliance on 'c'est' + adjective without variation (e.g., repeating 'c'est intéressant' throughout the response).
    • Failure to conjugate verbs correctly following opinion phrases (e.g., writing 'j'aime joue' instead of 'j'aime jouer').
    • Omitting the 'ne' in negative opinions ('je n'aime pas') or misplacing the negative structure around the verb.
    • Confusing 'aimer' (to like) with 'aimerais' (would like), leading to ambiguity in time frames and intent.
    • Using 'c'est' immediately after 'j'aime' (e.g., 'j'aime c'est intéressant') instead of correct syntax.
    • Over-reliance on 'parce que c'est amusant/ennuyeux' without developing the argument or using synonyms.
    • Confusion between 'mieux' (adverb) and 'meilleur' (adjective) when making comparative judgments.
    • Failing to use the subjunctive mood after triggers like 'bien que' or 'il est possible que'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Écrivez
    Mentionnez
    Décrivez
    Justifiez
    Donnez
    Répondez
    Expliquez

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic